Luminol Test

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Learners mix a solution containing luminol and copper with a fake blood solution. A chemical reaction between the luminol solution and fake blood (hydrogen peroxide) show learners a blue glow. Forensic scientists spray luminol onto surfaces at crime scenes to detect invisible blood stains. Luminol solution reacts with blood, changing the structure of the molecule and temporarily adding energy. This energy causes the luminol to glow. This activity is used in the Crime Science Chemistry unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Supply estimates are for 100 learners. For safety reasons, this activity should be conducted as a demonstration for younger audiences.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • One small dark opaque bottle
  • Two 10-ml graduated cylinders
  • Two 250-ml squeeze bottles
  • NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) (keep 1000 g on hand)
  • Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) (keep 200 g on hand)
  • (NH4)2CO3 (ammonium carbonate) (keep 100 g on hand)
  • CuSO4-5H2O (copper sulfate) (keep 100 g on hand)
  • C8H7N3O2 (luminol (3-aminopthalhydrazide)) (keep 25 g on hand)
  • Six 500-ml brown plastic bottles
  • One 1000-ml brown plastic bottle
  • One 1-liter plastic bottle
  • 3% H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) (1 Iiter) — OR — 30% H2O2 (100 ml)
  • Black tape
  • One 50-ml glass beaker
  • Red and green food coloring

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • Circulation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Solutions
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics

Informal Categories

  • Crime Science

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation